Gutters are one of the most forgotten parts of most homeowners’ maintenance list, which makes sense as rain gutters are simple in their design and operation. They are designed to carry water from the roof to the ground to route it away from the foundation. However, this simple function helps protect your home from serious water and foundation damage. So you may ask yourself: How do gutters work and why are they important? You may learn that your gutters do much lot more to ensure the structural integrity of your home than you might think.
How Gutters Work
Fundamentally, gutters take water from your roof and channel it down into the ground through a downspout. During rain or melting snow, water runs down from the slope of the roof into the gutters. As the water pools, it travels through the gutter system to the downspout. Downspouts carry water from the gutters along the roof edge to the base of the house where it is diverted away to protect the basement and foundation from flooding and water damage. There exists a splash block at the base of the downspout to further divert the rainwater from the house.
Why Gutters Are Important
Rain gutters are very important because they protect your home, especially your foundation, from water damage. Without a gutter system, rainwater would collect in areas of your roof, causing rot, deterioration, and/or mold. This weakens your shingles, soffit, and fascia. Naturally, gravity also pulls the water down to your windows, siding, and foundation. Moisture in the windows will cause condensation, which damages the sill and interior walls. Not to mention, mold and grime can develop which is a serious health hazard. When pooled against your home’s foundation, water causes erosion, weakens the integrity and structure causing cracks, which leads to basement flooding. Gutters protect against all these things. However, gutters can weaken over time if not taken care of. Leaves and other debris can easily block gutters from working properly as they halt the flow of water. Once debris builds up, water will overflow and damage the sides and potentially the foundation of the home. Severe storms and high winds can also misalign or crack your gutter system. This will weaken your gutters and could cause them to break entirely.
To keep your gutter system clear of debris and fully operational, call the premier local gutter company in Springfield IL, Capital City. We understand the importance of high-quality gutter installation and repair. Give us a call today for a free estimate on professional gutter installation, repair, or gutter guards!
